Al-Hakim: ‘Terrorist challenge’ in Syria has ‘direct impact’ on Iraq

DIYALA — The leader of the Al-Hikma Movement, Ammar Al-Hakim, stated on Wednesday that the Syrian army’s collapse in northwestern Syria will have repercussions for Iraq. Al-Hakim noted that there is heightened security and political alertness, as well as diplomatic efforts, to mitigate the threat to Iraq. He emphasized the existence of a national agreement to maintain a unified discourse and reject sectarian rhetoric to prevent discord. He also affirmed Iraq’s support for the Syrian government in its fight against “terrorism”.

In late November, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group, alongside other armed factions, launched a surprise offensive in northwestern Syria, capturing extensive territories across Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama. This sudden attack has heightened concerns within the Iraqi government, which fears possible cross-border infiltration by these groups and a repeat of the 2014 ISIS crisis.

Highlights from Ammar Al-Hakim’s press conference in Diyala:

The security collapse in Syria will have repercussions for Iraq.

There is a state of heightened security and political alertness to ward off potential threats to Iraq, alongside diplomatic efforts.

Measures have been taken to strengthen the internal front, with the highest levels of security and military preparedness implemented to protect the country.

Iraq is committed to providing political and economic support and collaborating with the Syrian government to address the risks of terrorism.

Strengthening Iraq’s internal front involves several steps, including enacting important and fair legislation and achieving political understanding and national consensus to confront this regional challenge.

The meeting of the Coordination Framework two days ago and the State Administration Coalition yesterday addressed this issue, agreeing to support the government in this direction.

There is consensus on maintaining a unified national discourse and rejecting any sectarian rhetoric to prevent discord.

There is a growing terrorist expansion in Syria, and Iraq is engaged in regional dialogues to curb this spread.

Many countries in the region are concerned about the terrorist expansion in Syria.

The collapse in Syria, following the ceasefire in Lebanon, raises many questions about the parties behind these events.

Let us be clear and honest with our people: the terrorist challenge in Syria has a direct impact on Iraq’s situation.

Previous collapses in Syria have extended their effects into Iraq in the past.